Fatsia japonica 'Spider's Web'

Variegated Japanese Aralia

Botanical Name: Fatsia japonica ‘Spider’s Web’
Family: Araliaceae
Origin: Japan (cultivated selection)
Plant Type: Evergreen foliage shrub

Overview

Fatsia japonica ‘Spider’s Web’ is a striking evergreen shrub prized for its large, glossy palmate leaves dusted with silvery-white speckling, giving a dramatic marbled appearance. Well suited to Adelaide and South Australian gardens, it thrives in shaded and semi-shaded positions where bold foliage is needed year-round.

Exceptionally useful in courtyards, under trees, and sheltered alfresco areas, ‘Spider’s Web’ provides architectural structure without relying on flowers. Its lush tropical look contrasts beautifully with finer foliage plants while remaining surprisingly hardy in temperate SA climates when protected from harsh sun and wind.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 1.5–2.5 m H × 1.5–2.5 m W
• Growth Rate: Moderate; approx. 20–40 cm per year
• Foliage: Large, glossy deep-green leaves heavily speckled with white; evergreen and bold
• Flowers: Small creamy-white flower clusters in autumn (ornamental but secondary)
  
• Fragrance: Not fragrant
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen foliage year-round; architectural structure in all seasons
• Wildlife Value: Flowers may attract bees; dense foliage provides shelter for small birds
• Tolerance: Moderate drought tolerance once established; Excellent performance in shade; Light frost tolerant (to approx. –5 °C); Not tolerant of hot afternoon sun or strong winds; Not suited to exposed coastal salt spray
• Planting Density: Feature planting: allow 1.5–2.5 m spacing; Informal mass planting: 1 plant per 2–3 m²
• Pet Friendly: Mildly toxic if ingested — keep away from pets and children

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Part shade to full shade; morning sun only if sheltered
• Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam enriched with organic matter; tolerates clay if drainage is good
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 6–8 weeks; Established: deep soak every 2–3 weeks in summer; minimal water in winter
• Maintenance: Low maintenance; Remove damaged or older leaves as needed; Mulch annually to retain moisture and cool roots; Protect from hot reflected heat
• Lifespan: Long-lived shrub; typically 20–30+ years in protected SA gardens
• Climate Zones: Ideal for temperate and Mediterranean South Australia, especially Adelaide Plains, foothills and sheltered Hills gardens
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred; tolerates mildly alkaline soils with organic matter

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Feature foliage plant for shaded courtyards
• Understorey planting beneath trees
• Large containers for sheltered patios and alfresco zones
• Woodland and tropical-style gardens
• Pairs beautifully with ferns, aspidistra, liriope, clivia, philodendron

Why You Will Love It

Fatsia japonica ‘Spider’s Web’ delivers instant drama in shade. With its oversized, variegated leaves and calm evergreen presence, it transforms low-light spaces into lush, designer-style gardens — all with minimal upkeep.